The song "I Like to Feel Pretty Inside" by Tom T. Hall is a playful and lighthearted exploration of the concept of inner beauty. The lyrics use the imagery of various animals and their unique physical features to examine the idea that true beauty comes from within. The song begins by describing how a mink wears a fur coat all the time, even when it's not necessary, while a skunk has a striped coat that is pretty but is tainted by its bad smell. The singer also notes that an elephant has thick and hard skin, while zebras have stripes and leopards have spots. The chorus of the song proclaims that the singer prefers to feel pretty on the inside, rather than on the outside. This means being kind, true to oneself, and cultivating a positive self-image. The singer notes that while it might be nice to have a new and improved physical appearance or hide, ultimately feeling good about oneself from the inside out is more important. The lyrics of "I Like to Feel Pretty Inside" encourage listeners to focus on developing and valuing their inner qualities over their outer appearance. The song also suggests that having a positive self-image and being kind to oneself and others can have a powerful impact on personal happiness and well-being.
